Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1887-11-18
THE CASE OF THE TREASURER AGAIN.

u.
The excuse is advanced in behalf of
State Treasurer Herold that he deems the
sum Of $4,000 inadequate to build ware
house for the plates, stock and reserve sup
ply Of the State school books. 1t is added
that had tho sum been $4,000 he would
have given his approval to the plans and
specifications. Moreover, he is of the
opinion that in the cellar of the Capitol
building there is ample room for storage.
1t is denied that the Treasurer gave as
reason for Withholding his approval that
the Governor had refused to approve the
jute-mill plans, and that he (the Trcasurer)
would yield when the Governor did. 1t
is fact beyond dispute, and not capa-
bic of successful denial, that the Treasurer
did SO state, and has done so over and
again, and to many people on many occa-
sion5. If he has authorized the denial of
the charge that he gave such reason, he
is directly and fatty contradicted by
numerous reputable witnesses to whom he
stated his reason for refusal 1t is fair to
the Treasurer, however, to say that the
agency which makes public his alleged de-
NAL is SO VIGOROUSLY unreliable and dis
reputable that little credit will attach to
its statements in this matter until Mr..
Herold affirms them. Violently assum-
ing, however. that he is correctly repre-
scented, it is to be said, concerning the
supplemental reasons now advanced
in the Treasurer's behalf, they are
not new and by no means original with
Mr.. Herold. They were all presented to
| the Legislature, and by that body over
ruled. 1t comes to this, then, that we
have rump Legislature at the capital, of
which the State Treasurer is the sole mem
Der. This new body proposes to undo
the work of the peoples representatives,
and reverse their judgment. 1t is revo-
lutionary doctrine that subordinate Off
Ger Of the Government may usurp legisla-
tive authority, and after the law making
power has commanded, may set aside its
will and nullify its DEGREES. If this policy
is to obtain in the case of the warehouse,
what limit is there to it, and where shall
it end? Suppose the State Board of Edu-
cation and the State Printer had said :.
I'VE do not deem the action Of the people
wise in directing the establishment of the
new school-book system, and we will re-
fuse to carry out their orders" how long
would the people have submitted to such
revolutionary action? If the State Treas
urer has regard for his obligations he will
reconsider his autocratic decree, and at
least confine his refusal to some specific
objections to the 'plans" and 'specifca-
tions" submitted. Beyond that he has no
right to proceed. The law does not give
him the power to devise or draw the speci-
fications or select a site. To an independ-
ent department, that of printing the law
expressly confides the preparation of plans
and specifications, selection of site, esti-
mates Of cost, etc. "When," says the law.
the estimates and specifications in detail
and aggregate are made" they are
to be submitted to the Governor, Secretary
of State and Treasurer for approval"
: 1t is not within the province of the Treas
urer, therefore, to pass upon the policy of
the matter at all. That has been deter
mined by an authority he cannot even
question. The unreliable agency earlier
referred to credits Mr. Herold with saving
that he was not consulted about the Z" SITE
for the warehouse, or about the proposed
building before the plans were submitted.
If he is correctly reported in this respect
and for his sake we trust he is not-he
is placed in a childish. petulant and I'M
manly attitude, and he needs to turn to
, pages 1855 of the Political Code, and as
, certain in what ludicrous position this
, pitiful complaint puts him. 1t is to be
hoped that the Treasurer will reconsider
and not subject himself to the inc vitable
odium that will attach TO his persistence
in defying the legislative authority, and
that will justify the conclusion that he is
unequal to the task of filling State office
witk credit